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Vancouver asked to pitch in $1 million for new mental health hub

Posted on Thu, Jun 9, 2016 - 12:00am

The proposed hub would be used for rapid psychiatric and substance abuse care and could divert about 5,000 people a year from the emergency department, according to a staff report slated for council next week.

If councillors approve in principle the cash, it would go toward the hub’s capital costs. The Vancouver Police and St. Paul’s Hospital foundations will need to chip in another $2.5 million and Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health would cover the operating costs, according to the report.

It would be a big health investment for the city, but it’s one that Coun. Kerry Jang said could save police time and resources and improve care for patients.

When we go out into the community we serve, we are able to meet our patients on their home turf. These visits bring clarity to the needs of the people we care for. We are reminded that, like the sisters before us with their commitment to practical charity and compassionate care, we are here to meet the needs of those who are vulnerable and marginalized.”